Confession
Notes
Transcript
The sinfulness of man
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Sorrow in sin
“Sorrow as it relates to confession is not primarily an emotion, though emotion may be involved. It is an abhorrence at having committed the sin, a deep regret at having offended the heart of the Father.” - Richard Foster
10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
“Confession beings in sorrow, but it ends in joy.” - Richard Foster
The Heart of God
1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable:
The lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son
20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“At the heart of God is the desire to give and to forgive. Because of this, he set into motion the entire redemptive process that culminated in the cross and was confirmed in the resurrection.” - Richard Foster
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Come to Jesus! As a father wanting their child to come
forgiveness in Christ
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
The discipline of confession is two-fold
First to God, then to each other
Confessing sins to each other
23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Ever feel alone in sin?
“We feel that everyone else has advanced so far into holiness that we are isolated and alone in our sin.” - Richard Foster
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
The importance of confessing to each other...
“A man who confesses his sins in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person. As long as I am by myself in the confession of my sins everything remains in the dar, but in the presence of a brother the sin has to be brought into the light.” - Bonhoeffer
We confess to others as a gift…and opportunity..not as an obligation
And by no means, are we earning forgiveness...
We are receiving it!
“If penance is viewed as a way of earning forgiveness, it is dangerous indeed. But if it is seen as an opportunity to pause a moment to consider the seriousness of our sin, then it has genuine merit. Today we take our offenses to the love of God far too lightly.” - Richard Foster
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
How to Confess
“For a good confession three things are necessary: an examination of conscience, sorrow, and a determination to avoid sin.” - St. Alphonsus Liguori
1. Examine ourselves
2. Experience sorrow
3. Determine to avoid sin
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God…such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth.” - John Wesley
Benefits
Light
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Healing
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Freedom
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Communion…a time of confession!
A time to come back into relationship with Christ!